I yet another chilling reminder of the growing menace of cybercrime in India, a woman from Mangaluru fell victim to a carefully orchestrated scam that cost her more than ₹3 crore. The incident, which unfolded over several days, saw cybercriminals impersonating government and law enforcement officials to manipulate the victim into transferring large sums of money under the guise of a so-called ‘digital arrest’.
How it All Begun
It started with a seemingly innocuous phone call. The caller claimed to be from a mobile network provider, alleging that a SIM card registered in the woman’s name was involved in illegal activities. Soon after, she was transferred to individuals who introduced themselves as officials from the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) and police.
Using high-pressure tactics and technical jargon, the fraudsters claimed that the woman’s Aadhaar-linked number was involved in drug trafficking and money laundering. They backed their claims with fake documents, ID cards, and even video calls that appeared to show uniformed officers. The intimidation was clear: cooperate or face arrest.
Psychological Manipulation & Fear-Based Control
The scammers didn’t stop at mere threats. Over several hours of relentless psychological manipulation, they managed to instill fear and confusion in the victim. They told her she was under surveillance and that her only way to prove innocence was by transferring money to “government-secured accounts” for verification.
Believing the consequences to be real — and fearing public humiliation, arrest, and damage to her reputation — the woman made multiple transactions over time, amounting to over ₹3 crore. By the time she realized she had been scammed, the money had vanished.
What Is a ‘Digital Arrest’?
The term “digital arrest” refers to a cybercrime technique where scammers impersonate law enforcement officials and tell victims they are being detained or investigated digitally. They claim the victim must comply with orders, including video calls and money transfers, to avoid actual physical arrest.
This tactic is particularly dangerous because it leverages psychological pressure rather than technical hacking. Victims are often educated individuals, misled by the convincing demeanor and fabricated “evidence” shared by scammers.
How to Protect Yourself and Others
As cyber scams become increasingly sophisticated, awareness is your first line of defense. Here’s what you can do:
Stay Calm
Scammers rely on fear. If someone says you’re under investigation, take a breath and don’t react impulsively.
Verify the Source
Ask for the caller’s name, department, and contact number. Then independently verify their identity by calling the organization’s official helpline.
Do Not Share Sensitive Information
Never share your bank details, Aadhaar number, OTPs, or passwords with anyone over the phone — even if they claim to be from the police or a government agency.
Hang Up and Report
If anything feels suspicious, end the call immediately. Report it to the Cyber Crime Helpline (1930) or through the official portal cybercrime.gov.in.
Educate Family Members
Especially elderly parents or less tech-savvy relatives who might be more vulnerable to such tactics.
Final Thoughts
This Mangaluru case is not just a story of one woman’s loss — it’s a wake-up call for all of us. In a world where our digital identities are increasingly intertwined with our financial and personal lives, awareness is not optional — it’s essential.
Cybercriminals no longer need to breach firewalls; they only need to breach your trust.